Federer headlines social media reaction to Nadal's retirement announcement

Rafael Nadal announced on Thursday that he will retire following this year’s Davis Cup Finals in November.

Stars from tennis and beyond quickly took to social media to congratulate the Spaniard on his unforgettable career. Roger Federer, who played his final match alongside Nadal at the 2022 Laver Cup, led the way with a message.

“What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come,” Federer wrote in an Instagram comment. “Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour!”

Thank you for everything Rafa, it’s been nothing short of incredible ♥️#RafaSiempre

pic.twitter.com/CcussCL5LZ

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 10, 2024

Casper Ruud, who played doubles with the Spaniard in Bastad earlier this year, wrote: “RAFA Forever!!” Ruud wrote. “Thank you for everything legend.”

Andy Roddick and Rod Laver were among the other stars who shared their thoughts on the lefty’s announcement.

Grande Rafa. @RafaelNadal Gracias por todas las memorias ………. Gracias amigo

— andyroddick (@andyroddick) October 10, 2024

Another tough one. Retirement is inevitable but I’m going to miss watching this bloke fighting for every point like no other. A truly remarkable human, best wishes @RafaelNadal 🚀 pic.twitter.com/nR9ddVnnvV

— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) October 10, 2024

Has sido mi mayor rival, mi compañero, y mi amigo durante más de la mitad de mi vida !!

Lo que has logrado es indescriptible y lo que se te va a echar de menos aún lo es más.

GRACIAS POR TODO @RafaelNadal #Leyenda 🏆🥇 https://t.co/VhE1FNeC1z

— Fernando Verdasco (@FerVerdasco) October 10, 2024

Thank you @RafaelNadal for inspiring me and all of us ❤️🙏
You will be missed 😢❤️ pic.twitter.com/uixuSLG0V8

— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) October 10, 2024

Vamos-Rafa @RafaelNadal is everything you want in a athlete tennis 🎾 player person, your competitive spirit and class on the courts simply off the charts 📊 it’s has been absolutely awesome 👏 to watch you your entire career 👍💪👌😎👊

— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) October 10, 2024

Muchas gracias 🙏 @RafaelNadal

Legend

— Patrick McEnroe (@PatrickMcEnroe) October 10, 2024

Del niño que te veía por televisión y soñaba con llegar a ser tenista al que tuvo el inmenso regalo de jugar a tu lado en Roland Garros representando a España en unos Juegos Olímpicos! 🥲 Muchas gracias por ser ejemplo a todos los niveles, tu legado es irrepetible! ❤️ Te he… pic.twitter.com/MiX8l5Jnrh

— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) October 10, 2024

Thank you, @RafaelNadal, for being an incredible role model and outstanding player. You are true legend and one of the greatest athlete of all time.

Enjoy the next chapter of your life, you truly deserve it! You will be big inspiration forever and to all of us. ❤️

— Jakub Mensik (@mensik_jakub_) October 10, 2024

Rafa, one post is not enough to express the respect I have for you and what you have done for our sport. You have inspired millions of children to start playing tennis and I think that’s probably greatest achievement anyone can wish for. Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit… pic.twitter.com/HO9kUkyccN

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 10, 2024

Thank you @RafaelNadal for everything you have given to the sport. To have the chance to spend a few weeks training with you a few years ago is something I’ll never forget. To watch you work as an athlete but also get to know you as a person off the court was even more special.… pic.twitter.com/Obyrk5V5mh

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) October 10, 2024

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